Tadpole Tails

I took my son and his friend to Wisconsin Dells for a couple days during their Spring Break. I warned them ahead of time that The Dells is full of cheesy attractions – pun intended. On top of the cheesy list is a place called Top Secret. Both boys wanted to check it out since it looks like an upside-down White House. Since there was special $5 admission that day, I decided to take them in. We were the only people in the place, which should have been a clue that I just wasted $15. Anyway, as we walked through the rooms, creepy music played. As we walked through a sewer drain area, my son’s friend demanded that he walk between me and my son. Then when we got to a dark passageway, he stopped and refused to go forward. I told him that he could walk right next to me. He hesitantly walked forward and I put my arm around him and pulled him in tight – mostly because I wanted to make sure he didn’t run off. We safely made it through after coming face to face with the top secret thing that was making all those creepy sounds. Sorry, I’m not going to tell you what it was, but I would strongly suggest that you spend your money on a good brat instead.

This month, my church's children’s ministry will be focusing on the environment of Out of the Comfort Zone. Based on Michelle Anthony’s book, “Spiritual Parenting,” we will be reinforcing the truth that: “God transforms me when I step out in faith.”

As we grow out of childhood fears, many parents are still troubled by fear of what’s ahead. I worry about my children’s safety. Will they be bullied at school or injured in an accident? Many worry about their children’s success. Will they do well in school or get a good college scholarship? Others fear that their children will struggle with sickness. Will they get a disease or will they fall into an unhealthy addiction? These are serious concerns and I do not want to minimize them. My family and those I know well are walking through some of these situations. However, we do not need to be overcome by fear, even during times like these! God told the Israelites as they walked into the Promised Land, that they would not be traveling alone. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT) says, “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The LORD your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you."

Just like I provided comfort for my son’s friend by pulling him close, God wants to draw us closer to him during difficult times so we can personally experience his love, truth, and power. In fact, living in the environment of Out of the Comfort Zone is truly living exactly where God wants us to be – dependent on him.

This month, as we celebrate the victory over death that was purchased by Jesus on the cross, I pray that your home will experience the Holy Spirit’s transforming power as you live a life not bound by fear!